OCS Family Updates - January 11, 2026

Please remember that all OCS schools and facilities will be closed on Monday, January 19 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. For the traditional and year-round calendars for this year and the 2026-2027 school year, visit orangecountyfirst.com/calendar. 

Enroll for 2026-2027 School Year

Online registration opens Monday, January 12 at 8:00 a.m. for all students new to Orange County Schools for the 2026-2027 school year (first attending after July 1, 2026)!

Whether your child is starting kindergarten or transferring from another school, we value your child and care about preparing them to succeed now and in their next phase in life. Find complete details and support online at orangecountyfirst.com/enrollment. Welcome to Orange County Schools!

Lottery for Year-Round Hillsborough Elementary Opens

The application window for the 2026-27 school year at year-round Hillsborough Elementary will be open from January 12 at 8:00 a.m. until March 25, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

HES is a “Choice School,” and applicants will be seated by random lottery if there are more applicants than available seats. Schedule your tour now. See the OCS Enrollment page and HES website for full details!

Ready, Set, Kindergarten! February 6

Join us at our “Ready, Set, Kindergarten” Family Welcome Event to experience what OCS will offer your child in kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year!

Meet our friendly staff and find answers to all your questions during the drop-in event on Thursday, February 5 between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. at the Orange County Sportsplex (101 Meadowlands Dr, Hillsborough, NC). Pre-register now at orangecountyfirst.com/k, and receive a free book for your child at the event. All are welcome, please tell a friend!

Alternative Licensure Pathways and Advanced Degrees Fair

Interested in becoming a teacher and don't know where to start? Do you want to learn more?

OCS is hosting our annual Virtual Alternative Licensure Fair on Wednesday, January 21. Sessions every hour will feature timely and important information on what is required to earn your NC Educator License via alternative pathways. Learn from programs offered by our respective university partners. If you are interested, pre-register now to save your seat!

• What: 2025–2026 Alternative Licensure, Educator Prep Program, and Advanced Degrees Fair
• When: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Where: Virtual (register now to receive the link to all sessions)

Listening Session January 15

Join us in Cedar Grove on Thursday, January 15 at Mt. Zion AME Church from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., to help build the future of Orange County Schools in the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan.

Share what matters to you as we continue working to improve outcomes and ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. Your voice matters. We hope to see you soon! 

Also: Now through January 20, complete our intent form to join Priority Area Focus Groups and identify key priorities for the roadmap that guides the next five years in OCS. Required meetings March 3 and March 26, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. See complete details on our web page.

January Menus

Find all the nutritious and delicious options available for breakfast and lunch every day!

Also find other items listed for sale in school cafeterias, and links to apply for free and reduced-price meals. Stay tuned for new meal options each month! orangecountyfirst.com/menus 

Save the Date: K-8 Math Night January 29 

Join OCS Family Academy at New Hope Elementary School on Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. to learn how to support your child in kindergarten through 8th grade in enVision Mathematics.

Experience all the resources available for families to use together at home, so you can improve your child's engagement and learning outcomes in the classroom. Receive flash cards, support for online and paper resources, and much more. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for Infinite Campus support, and a food truck will be onsite with meals available for purchase. Stay tuned for more details! orangecountyfirst.com/familyacademy 

 

Thank you as always for reading and sharing our updates!